Instructions for Adopting a Limited Liability Company Assumed Name

The procedure for adopting a limited liability company's assumed name is a simple step-by-step process that can be completed in a matter of minutes. The right to use an assumed name is effective from the date the application is filed by the Secretary of State until the first day of the company's anniversary month in the next year evenly divisible by five. Thereafter the assumed name may be renewed in five-year periods.

Companies that can adopt on-line:

Both domestic and foreign limited liability companies that are in good standing may adopt an assumed name electronically, provided none of the exclusions set forth in the next paragraph apply.

Companies that cannot adopt an assumed name on-line:

Limited liability companies that:

• are not in good standing;
• have been dissolved, either voluntarily or administratively, that have been revoked or effected a voluntary withdrawal, or that have expired; or
• must execute the adoption through the use of "layered signatures" or by power of attorney. All documents executed by power of attorney must be accompanied by a copy of the authorization.

Execution

All assumed name adoptions, whether filed electronically or on paper, must be signed by a manager, or if there are no managers, by a member. As indicated earlier, any adoption requiring execution by use of "layered signatures" or by power of attorney cannot be done electronically but must instead be completed on the paper version of form LLC-1.20.

Payment of fees

Payment of fees due in connection with the on-line adoption of an assumed name may only be made by using an electronic fund transfer or a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Payment of all fees due is required during the electronic filing process. If payment by electronic fund transfer is ultimately denied, the adoption of the assumed name(s) will be voided and the event treated as though never occurring.

Fees to adopt an assumed name on-line are :
$150 for each year or part thereof ending in 0 or 5
$120 for each year or part thereof ending in 1 or 6
$90 for each year or part thereof ending in 2 or 7
$60 for each year or part thereof ending in 3 or 8
$30 for each year or part thereof ending in 4 or 9
Expedited Fee: $50
Bank Processing Fee: $3.75

Questions about the adopting of an assumed name?

You may call our office at 217-524-8008 during normal workdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Central time. A trained specialist will be glad to help you with any problems or concerns relating to the filing requirements of limited liability companies.

Forms

Paper versions of all forms pertaining to the filing requirements of the Illinois Limited Liability Company Act, including form LLC-1.20, can be obtained from the Limited Liability Company publications section.

Adopt an Assumed Name On line